What type of inspections do fire extinguishers need and how often are they conducted?

OSHA 1910.157(e)(2), which requires a visual inspection of all portable extinguishers be performed at least monthly, does not require documentation of monthly checks. Mandatory annual inspections and periodic maintenance inspections do have to be documented.

1910.157(e)(3) says the employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. “Maintenance” is a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of the portable fire extinguishers and is covered in NFPA’s standards. Maintenance is required at least once a year – more frequently when indicated by a routine monthly inspection, as discussed earlier.

NFPA 10, “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers,” also requires that fire extinguishers be hydrostatically tested every 6 years.

As a best practice, many employers chose to document their monthly inspections anyway. Most inspection tags attached to portable extinguishers have a 12-month grid on the back of it. The inspector can enter the date and their initials whenever they perform the monthly inspections. OSHA has cited employers using these tags as evidence that monthly inspections were not performed. Even though the tag’s back had several months with the initials in place to document the inspections were conducted, there was one (or more) month where the initials were not entered. If you decide to follow the best practice, not required by OSHA, ensure that every month is documented. The extinguishers should be tagged so monthly inspections can be recorded and when each unit is placed in service. Then within one year, each fire extinguisher will require an annual inspection. Per NFPA 10, 4-3.1 Frequency, fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and after that at 30-day intervals. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require. This initial check is like the monthly check and isn’t an annual check inspection.